What defines a primary source?

A primary source is defined as an original document or object from the time being studied. This can include artifacts, letters, diaries, photographs, or any firsthand accounts that provide direct evidence about a historical event or period. The significance of primary sources lies in their ability to offer direct insight into the experiences, perspectives, and contexts of the time they were created. By analyzing these sources, researchers can draw their own conclusions and interpretations based on the actual evidence from that period, rather than relying on someone else's analysis or summaries. This foundational nature of primary sources is essential in the study of history and other disciplines, as it grounds research in authentic material rather than in the interpretations that come later.